Nationwide League Division One leaders West Brom fired a warning shot to their would-be promotion rivals with a 4-1 victory over Ipswich.

Two goals from summer signing Rob Hulse, one from Thomas Gaardsoe and an own goal by Town defender Drissa Diallo sent Joe Royle's side - who have managed only two points in their six league games so far - plummeting to the bottom of the table.

There was scant consolation for the Tractor Boys with a 63rd-minute goal from Richard Naylor.

West Ham claimed the spoils in a match with an edge against Reading at Upton Park.

Alan Pardew's resignation from the Royals' hot seat, seemingly motivated by an interest in the Hammer's managerial vacancy, added some extra spice to an encounter which already looked appetising - given the two sides' promising early-season form.

In the end a 17th-minute goal from Christian Dailly was enough for the home side to win and leapfrog their opponents in the table.

Sunderland claimed their fourth successive victory in a thrilling finish to their match against Crystal Palace at the Stadium of Light.

A stoppage-time penalty from Marcus Stewart after a handball from Hayden Mullins gave the Black Cats a 2-1 win.

Andrew Johnson must have thought he had claimed a point for his side when he cancelled out Kevin Kyle's 46th-minute opener in the 90th minute.

Nottingham Forest claimed revenge for last season's promotion play-off defeat at the hands of Sheffield United, with a 3-1 win over the Blades at the City Ground.

Two goals from Marlon Harewood (30, 56) - the second a penalty - and a third from Andrew Reid (71) outweighed Peter Ndlovu's 54th-minute spot-kick for the visitors, who had Chris Morgan sent off in the 62nd minute.

Three first-half goals set Wigan on their way to a 4-2 win over Wimbledon, carrying the newly-promoted club up to second in the table.